Heineken Cup Pool 5: Montpellier v Ulster match preview

Ulster travel to France hoping to take their chance take control of Heineken Cup Pool 5 by beating Montpellier.

Last Updated: 19/10/13 5:34pm

Ruan Pienaar: Will make his first start of the season against Montpellier

Both teams recorded victories on the opening weekend and the winner of Saturday's clash in France will be in a strong position at the head of the standings.

The Top 14 side defeated Treviso 27-10 last time out but have still made seven changed to their starting line-up as skipper Fulgence Ouedraogo returns to the back row.

Elsewhere in the pack, Nicolas Mas in benched in favour of Maximiliano Bustos in an all-new front row which also features Mickael Ivaldi and Yvan Watremez. Lock Robins Tchale-Watchou drops down to the bench to make way for Thibaut Privat.

In the backs, Anthony Tuitavke shifts from wing to outside centre as Timoci Nagusa returns to the No 14 shirt. The final change comes at scrum-half, where Jonathan Pelissie replaces Benoit Paillaugue.

Ulster welcome back South Africa scrum-half Ruan Pienaar, who will make his first start of the season.

Pienaar's inclusion is one of only two changes from the side which defeated Aviva Premiership champions Leicester last time out, the other seeing Roger Wilson switch to No 8 for the injured Nick Williams while Robbie Diack comes in at flanker.

Montpellier are looking to continue a strong start to the season which currently sees them sit level with Toulon and Toulouse at the top of the French league.